The Patriots hit the road again this weekend, making the trip to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on Oct. 23. If you're catching the Patriots in the Steel City, we've got you covered for places to eat, things to do and sights to see while you're there.
GO TO THE GAME
If you're looking to head to the game but haven't bought tickets yet, check out Ticketmaster through the Pittsburgh Steelers website for available seats, as well as game day information. The NFL Ticket Exchange is also a solid option for season ticket holders.
WATCH
A number of Patriots fans are heading to Pittsburgh to catch the their team take on the Steelers. The night before the game, fans will be gathering at Birmingham Bridge Tavern (2901 Sarah St.; 412-381-2739) so it will be a great spot to meet fellow fans on the road. The group is set to meet around 6 p.m., and you can connect beforehand on the Patriots Tailgate Facebook event page for the game.
EAT
Pittsburgh has its fair share of unique eateries, and none is more legendary than Primanti Brothers (2100 Wharton St., 412-325-2455).The Steel City staple is open 24-hours and is known for topping their massive sandwiches with fries and coleslaw. If you're down for the daring, Mad Mex has unique takes on Mexican food. With multiple locations in Pittsburgh and a "funky fresh Cal-Mex" vibe, it is no surprise that the restaurant takes some risks, like The Gobblerito. The burrito filled with all you could want from a Thanksgiving dinner. If you would rather play it safe, Mad Mex also has more traditional burritos and tacos.
Pittsburgh is known for its Polish food, and one pierogi and kielbasa hot spot is Bloomfield Bridge Tavern (4412 Liberty Ave., 412-682-8611). Fat Head's Saloon (1805 E. Carson St., 412-431-7433)has standard pub foods. They also serve up Headwiches, "You know, sandwiches relatively close to the size of your head," according to the menu. If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, Waffleonia (4212 Forbes Ave., 412-685-4081) is serving up decadent waffle desserts.
SLEEP
There is no shortage of hotels to book downtown and close to Heinz Field. SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh North Shore (223 Federal Street, 412-323-9005)and Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown (600 Commonwealth Place, 412-391-4600) are both less than a mile walk from the action. A bit more than a mile away from Heinz Field is Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square (300 W Station Square Dr,; 412-261-2000). If you're interested staying somewhere with local charm and history, The Priory Hotel (614 Pressley St,; 412-231-3338) is a former monastery turned boutique hotel that was built in 1888.
PLAY
The Steel City has a lot to offer visitors, from museums and tours to casinos and views.
If you're feeling lucky, take a trip to Rivers Casino (777 Casino Dr.; 412-231-7777) and (hopefully) walk away a winner. To get the best vantage point of Pittsburgh, hit Mount Washington. The neighborhood has a deep history in the city, and the view at the top of the mountain makes it all the better. You can take an incline to the top of the mountain, and when you get to the top, there are breathtaking views of the city and opportunities to hike in Emerald View Park.
With Halloween right around the corner, you can get acquainted with the spooky side of Pittsburgh with the Haunted Pittsburgh Downtown Ghost Tour, which takes off Fridays and Saturdays from City-County Building (414 Grant St.) Tickets are $15, and the tour lasts about an hour and a half. For a less creepy and more cinematic view of the city, consider Lights, Camera, Pittsburgh! The Official Pittsburgh Movie Tour.
If museums are your scene, there are a few unique experiences waiting for you. Families can hit the Children's Museum (10 Children's Way, Allegheny Square; 412-322-5058) for an interactive, fun and educational experience for all. The city pays tribute to an artistic legend who was born there. The Andy Warhol Museum (117 Sandusky St.; 412-237-8300) explores the leader of the pop art movement and his legacy. The ToonSeum (945 Liberty Ave.; 412-232-0199) offers more than 100 pieces of art in its small, boutique-style gallery. The exhibits, which rotate frequently, celebrate the work of cartoonists, and right now, it offers a look at cartoons and comics of the civil rights era.
For more information while planning your trip, visit:
http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/
http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/
Do you have advice for fans hitting the road for an upcoming away game? Share it with us at lifestyle@patriots.com.
